The Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre (SCMDC) is working with local oyster farmers from Pambula, Merimbula and Batemans Bay to showcase their industry and the people behind the food.

The program is supported by Local Land Services to showcase the oyster industry to local people and assist students to know more about their local environment.

As part of the program students were given the opportunity to gain an insight into the workings of a local aquaculture industry including cultivation methods, the entire farming process from oyster spat to market and the importance of monitoring and maintaining good water quality.

Local oyster farmers generously donated their time, their expertise and some of their oysters so that the students could learn more about this important local industry.

The program consisted of visits to the class and excursions on the oyster farms. SCMDC marine education officer Jillian Riethmuller, said the students loved the chance to explore the oyster farms on the punt and see for themselves how they were grown.

She added that the aim of the project was to entice some young locals to explore a new career path.

“Students were enthralled and thoroughly enjoyed being able to dissect an oyster and learn more about what they are and how they work,” she said.

“Through water testing activities and presentations from the oyster farmers’ students understood the importance of water quality and maintaining a healthy estuary for the production of high quality oysters.

“The program has been extremely successful with all participants showcasing an increased interest in this unique industry and the environmental factors that influence it.”